Anytime you and your dog can have fun together, you’re building your bond. But there is actual science that backs up why bath time is a perfect time to create a stronger, happier bond with your pup. And it has nothing to do with which dog shampoo you use.
Have you heard of the “love hormone,” oxytocin? It’s responsible for warm-fuzzies, for feeling happy and contented--in both you and your dog.
In a Scientific American recap of some of the recent research, they shared, “Spend time petting your dog, scratching Pluto’s body and ears, and you’re both apt to see increases in your plasma oxytocin levels, indicating a positive experience for you both.”
What better way to do that than in the bath?
Massage
As you rub-a-dub your sweet pup’s coat, use your the pads of your fingers to gently massage your dog’s muscles. Be sure to get behind her ears!
As you rinse product out of your dog’s fur, use the tips of your fingers to gently scratch in the direction of hair growth. It’ll help work the product out--key to fighting dry skin--while stimulating your dog’s senses.
Treats
OK, the truth is, not all dogs love the bath, even if you’re working hard to massage up some good doses of oxytocin! Research also shows that food makes a dog happy, too (not that that research comes as a surprise to any dog lovers), so be sure to treat your dog for being a good boy in the tub!
Cuddle
Finally, when the bath is done and you’ve toweled off your dog, spend some time brushing out his coat or massaging in a finishing product. That extra physical touch will give you both a happiness boost that builds your bond.
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